Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany spent last season at the helm of Burnley in the Premier League, so he knows how much Aston Villa’s return to Champions League means to the club.
“Everyone knows it’s been over 40 years since Aston Villa last played in the Champions League. What they achieved last season is extraordinary, they deserve it. They are a very well organised team with a good atmosphere at home. But Bayern Munich are used to these nights – and we want to enjoy it ourselves and hopefully the players are excited to play here,” said Kompany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I was in England for 13 years in total, my wife and children are English – but tomorrow we’re playing as Bayern Munich. And here we want to get the result we want against Aston Villa. But I know the stadium, the team and the coach very well – so it’s important that we go into this game tomorrow with full courage.”
Of course, Kompany had to deal with the question everyone had on their mind as well — whether Harry Kane will start tomorrow. Per his norm, Kompany kept his cards close to his vest.
“Harry Kane trained today and it went well. But we have to wait until tomorrow and be sure if things stay that way – then we can calmly make the right decision. Hopefully everything stays well,” Kompany noted.
When asked about another player who made his mark in the Premier League, João Palhinha, Kompany was also evasive.
“For us, it’s always about competition. It’s not about experience – we have so many world champions, champions in Germany or England in our squad. We have this experience throughout the squad. But it’s about intensity, every player in this squad will be important. I’m only saying that for now, but you will all see that things won’t work without this big squad. That’s hugely important,” Kompany stated. “The most successful football works with top players. Then, as a coach, you have to make a decision about which path you want to take. And every coach is different, everyone has different convictions. It’s about the players wanting to fight, wanting to run, wanting to enjoy playing and having the belief that they can achieve something. It doesn’t work any other way.”
Finally, Kompany was asked if he learned anything from his team’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
“It feels like the Leverkusen game was two weeks ago. That’s how much time I’ve put into preparing for Villa. But what we can take is the intensity. It’ll be a tough away game. It’s now only about the next 90 minutes. We need full concentration and energy again for tomorrow,” Kompany said.
Looking for our thoughts on the Bayer Leverkusen game? Want a preview of the tactics that could go into Bayern Munich’s upcoming clash with Aston Villa in the Champions League? Check out our latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works flagship show, where Schnitzel and Cyler dive into the game that was and the game that will be, available on below or on Spotify.
